Forging partnerships important even during mining downturn

THUNDER BAY -- Even in a downturn, getting First Nations and industry together is good for mining the head of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund says.

Executive director Brian Davey says things will turn around for the mining industry. In the meantime, the NADF's fifth annual mining summit is a place for First Nations, industry and government to keep building relationships and work together on a vision.

"Creating wealth takes more than just First Nations it takes more than a mining company," he said.

Working together builds trust Davey said.

"I see more and more of that happening," he said.

First Nations, Canadians and industry need to realize they're not alone summit speaker Mark Podlasli said. A member of Nlaka'pamux First Nation and senior advisor to British Columbia's First Nations Energy and Mining Council said there are plenty of examples of indigenous communities and mining companies working together.

If both parties are honest and have a unified goal, then there will be success.

"If that purpose is set then parties can work towards them," he said.